Mason — Local pilots gave children from around the area the opportunity to experience their first plane ride Saturday on Young Eagles Aviation Day.
The event which was held at the Mason Jewett Field Airport, was started in 1992 to promote aviation education among children. Children who attended were given one free plane ride, and prior to the flight, pilots discussed the general mechanics of the plane in which they would be flying.
"My son had taken an airplane ride before, but my two daughters had not been old enough at the time," said Tina De Bloc, who brought her three children to the airport. "When I heard about this event, I felt it was about the right time that they come and take this ride."
De Bloc said it's good for children to experience flying at a young age so that they don't develop an aversion to it later in life.
"There is absolutely no fear at this age of something like this," De Bloc said.
George Moore, a retired science teacher who flies planes in his spare time, said it's important for children to develop an understanding about flight.
Moore, a volunteer at the event said he has been flying planes since the 1950s. He now flies a plane that he built himself.
Moore said he taught a course in high school that involved flying and added that the class had such an effect on one student that the student now works with airplanes for a living.
He said there should be more events that introduce children to aviation so they can learn more about flying.
"These kids are the future of aviation, and they need to be taught about it as much as they can," Moore said.
Since the program began, more than 1 million children have been given a ride in one of the event's airplanes said Bill Purosky, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, which hosted the event.
"Basically the program is meant to introduce children to aviation and the job capabilities it provides," Purosky said. "We hope that this day helps them keep their interest in flying, and (we) hope for another million kids in the next 10 years."
Vickie Vandenbelt, membership coordinator for the Experimental Aircraft Association, said the nice weather and children's expressions helped make this a positive day.
"Today's been a nice day, and the fact that the airport is also hosting an open house helps with more people coming out," Vandenbelt said. "There have been a lot of good reactions from the kids after the flights, and that always makes us happy to see."
The Experimental Aircraft Association plans to host a second Aviation Day in July to allow even more children the chance to experience flying for the first time.
